The news of Isabella's pregnancy reached me through the insidious whispers of the maids, their mocking tones slicing through the air like an unseen dagger. The revelation struck me with an unexpected force, a blend of hurt and betrayal settling in the pit of my stomach. How could my mates, Dominico and Zavier, keep such a significant development from me? As the realization dawned, I decided to confront Isabella, seeking answers to the questions that threatened to unravel the fragile threads of trust.The castle corridors echoed with the soft padding of my footsteps as I made my way to Isabella's chambers. The flickering torches cast shadows that seemed to dance along the walls, mirroring the tumultuous emotions that churned within me. Isabella's door loomed ahead, and I took a steadying breath before knocking.The door swung open, revealing Isabella's smirking visage. "Well, well, if it isn't Cassendra, the overlooked one," she taunted, her tone dripping with mockery.I squared my sho
The next day dawned with an air of anticipation that hung over the castle like a thick veil. Excitement permeated the corridors, and the usual hustle and bustle seemed amplified. The source of this fervor was palpable—the impending arrival of Isabella's child, the next generation of Alphas. As I navigated the castle's bustling halls, I couldn't escape the wave of jubilation that engulfed every corner.Former Alpha and Luna, adorned in regal attire, exchanged smiles and congratulations with the pack members. The maids, once familiar faces in my daily life, moved about with a newfound energy, their conversations laced with excitement about the prospect of an heir.Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, I felt a stark contrast—a gnawing emptiness that seemed to grow with each passing moment. The weight of my status as a slave pressed upon me, exacerbating the ache of exclusion. I moved through the castle like a phantom, invisible in the sea of anticipation.Former Luna, her eyes gleaming wit
" Strip Now!!"His raging voice evaporated against the noises of werewolves, screaming around the valley. Seraya couldn't see anything except smoke around her pack house, the begging of women, and children's cries. Her ignorance towards his command was only pushing his rage to the edge. No one ever dared to humiliate her in that way. " I said, STRIP!!", the command came with a loud whip on her back, forcing her knees to fall on the ground.Rafe Sullivan Anderson held the chain high, his eyes gleaming in deep rage and hatred toward the woman on the ground. Seraya coughed lightly at the smoke, flaring her nostrils to travel into her stomach. Her tears blurred in tears, her wolf refusing to submit but she figured out that her disobedience would turn everything worse.Her beloved ' The Moon Eyed ' pack was under attack by the most ferocious, cruel pack on earth ' The Night Howlers Pack '. Even if she fought with her all night, she wouldn't be able to save anyone. She clutched the hard so
|| ALEXIS's POV ||" No guards around us today? Are you sure, Mafia Alex?"Elinda teased me with a smile. Although she was indirectly insulting, I could see the little smile on the corner of her lips. She was happy to get a free day.After much confrontation, I wished to give her a day like a normal girl. I replied coldly, concealing any sort of emotions that she tried to notice on my face," Yes! A day that I promised you. Now behave. No one will question you here."She smiled big and walked by my side. It was a pool party, thrown by my old friends here. They didn't know about my business here nor did they recognize her as the Royal Princess.Sammer rushed over to us as soon as he spotted us coming together. He pulled me into a tight hug, teasing after stealing the look of Elinda," And who is this pretty lady? I have never seen you bringing any woman to our party. Who is this lucky girl, huh?"Before I could say something, Elinda replied coldly, leaving a strong gap between our rela
Eliana stood in the middle of her new art gallery, watching as guests wandered through exhibits with practiced smiles and empty praise. Her soul poured into the work lining the walls, the admiring glances of the visitors felt warm.She noticed how the heads of employees, the guests praised her slightly, addressing her with caution attitude. Something wasn't right.She happened to catch one of her assistants whispering to another before his eyes darted away, having noticed hers. It clicked in the form of lead in her chest. Daniel!She clamped her jaw tight; the last thing she needed was for people to treat her differently because of him. It was suffocating.It was as if it had been called up by her thoughts that the deep rumble of an engine outside made her turn toward the entrance. The moment Daniel stepped in, the room's air shifted. Conversations paused, and glances darted his way before flicking elsewhere, almost as if the people were frightened of even looking at him."Enjoying the
" I will let you know who can take the lead of our pack. Thank you Grandma for your trust."I accepted the offer after Konstantine gave me support. That guy really had the power on me. Jessica was sobbing in my mother's arms. She blabbered that grandmother didn't give her anything only because she was the adopted child.I shook my head and laughed bitterly. My parents still couldn't trust that Jessica was actually sad for losing the Alpha position. I was tired of their drama and made my way outside. Alex's voice stopped me from going further," Elena, Stop! STOP!!!"I cursed under my breath and stopped to look up at him. He spoke uneasily, his earlier arrogance was gone," Jessica is heartbroken. Considering your rank, you should have passed the position to her willingly."I sneered at his words with disgust," So you think that I should pass my rights to her just because she is miserable? Alex, you have always been a fool. I won't make the same mistake twice."I tried to walk away wh
|| ELENA'S POV ||" I will let you know who can take the lead of our pack. Thank you Grandma for your trust."I accepted the offer after Konstantine gave me support. That guy really had the power on me. Jessica was sobbing in my mother's arms. She blabbered that grandmother didn't give her anything only because she was the adopted child.I shook my head and laughed bitterly. My parents still couldn't trust that Jessica was actually sad for losing the Alpha position. I was tired of their drama and made my way outside. Alex's voice stopped me from going further," Elena, Stop! STOP!!!"I cursed under my breath and stopped to look up at him. He spoke uneasily, his earlier arrogance was gone," Jessica is heartbroken. Considering your rank, you should have passed the position to her willingly."I sneered at his words with disgust," So you think that I should pass my rights to her just because she is miserable? Alex, you have always been a fool. I won't make the same mistake twice."I trie
The soft hum of conversation and the clinking of porcelain filled the small café, yet I felt detached from it all. I sat across from Daniel, the man who had come to my rescue not once, but twice. His presence was both reassuring and unsettling, a strange mix of comfort and danger that I couldn’t quite place. I wrapped my hands around the ceramic mug, the warmth seeping into my cold fingers, grounding me in this moment."Thank you, Daniel," I said, my voice barely rising above a whisper. I couldn’t meet his gaze, the intensity of his dark eyes too much to bear. "For saving me. Twice."Daniel’s expression softened, though only slightly. His sharp features remained stoic, but there was a flicker of something—concern, perhaps—in his eyes. "I did what needed to be done," he replied, his tone as calm and controlled as ever. "You don’t need to thank me."The words hung between us, heavy and unspoken truths lingering just beneath the surface. I had so much I wanted to say, questions I wanted
Chapter 93|| ALBERTO'S POV ||I hate to leave plans for Alexis, but I must say—when it comes to starting chaos, he's a master at it. Tonight, he mapped out every guard patrol, every blind spot in the mansion, every alternate escape route. Dressed in the uniform of one of Mikhail's personal enforcers, I passed through the iron gates with a forged ID chip Alexis's crew hastily created. My heart pounded in my ears as the scanner gave me the all-clear to enter. The moment I crossed the threshold into the mansion, the scent enveloped me. Her scent. Clara.My wolf growled within me, restless. I clenched my fists hard to keep from shaking.Concentrate.The corridors smelt rich and cold, with black polished marble casting golden dancing chandeliers above. I kept my head down, mimicking the guard walk I had picked up from spy videos. Sweeping past two guards standing by a staircase, talking, I nodded to them quietly. They barely glanced at me.Clara was in the east wing. Alexis had overheard
Chapter 92|| Clara's POV || (Three Years Ago)My chest thudded as I approached the healer's little hut. I walked closer,feeling vulnerable yet oddly reassured by the emptiness around me.The groan of the wooden door creaking open slowly, and there in the peaceful, knowing eyes of the healer, an old woman whose peaceful presence always had the power to calm my restless soul. She nodded in acknowledgment, stepping aside to let me in."Come in, Clara," she whispered, guiding me into a chair beside the fire. I sat down in the worn seat, letting out a deep, trembling breath.The healer studied me deeply, her understanding eyes easing with compassion. "Have you made up your mind yet, dear? Alberto is suffering, and so are you. Your wolf weakens daily."I swallowed hard, wincing back tears that pricked at the corners of my eyes. "I don't know what to do," I admitted softly, my voice cracking. "I'm afraid of Mikhail's anger more than anything. He is a revengeful man. He won't think twice abo
Chapter 91|| Elinda's POV ||I had barely emerged from the car when the chaos descended on me like a wave.Cameras snapped one after another in my face, and microphones were shoved under my nose in every direction. A group of reporters hovered around me.Their faces were tough and full of judgmental :"Elinda! You actually did run away from the ceremony of finding a mate!""Are you with anyone special last night?""Is your engagement to Duke Alaric cancelled now?"I couldn't answer. I couldn't breathe.They weren't just shoving—they were standing on me, yanking at my sleeves, blocking every move I made towards the palace. A woman's heel ground into my ankle. A man jammed a mic into my shoulder so forcefully I almost stumbled. Panic coursed up my throat."Get back!" Alaric's voice came behind me, deep but not nearly loud enough to overpower the crowd. "You're hurting her! Move aside!"His hand gripped mine tightly, but it was not strong to save me. He seemed more like a noble trying to
Chapter 90|| ELINDA's POV ||I awoke curled around Alexis's chest, feeling the gradual beat of his breath against my hand. His skin was warm now. Not fever-burning like last night. Just warm. Alive. I didn't want to move, but the sun that sliced through the blinds brought memory.There was a gentle knock at the door, and then servant's whisper. "My Lady… the healer has arrived."I glanced at Alexis, who remained asleep. His eyelashes fluttered slightly, and I knew he would come awake soon. I moved off the bed, gently tucking the blankets back around him, and opened the door far enough to see."I'll speak with him alone first," I breathed.The servant nodded and disappeared down the hallway. A minute later, the healer—a soft-faced middle-aged man with grey hair and a scent of rosemary—stepped silently in. I guided him into the next room so Alexis wouldn't hear us."He's better, isn't he?" I asked as soon as we'd closed the door behind us.The healer smiled half-heartedly. "Yes… and no
Chapter 89 || Elinda's POV || The clapping palms of the crowd, the flowers, Alaric's soft smile—these all disappeared into the past for me as I boarded the boat. My heart never dwelled inside those walls.It stayed with him.Alexis.Sea air stung my face, but nothing could shake the guilt burning beneath my skin. I shouldn't be doing this. Tonight, of all nights. After accepting another mate before the council mere hours before. But the image of Alexis—sick, alone, possibly dying on that island—called me like a moth to flame. No cause, no royal duties, not even the mate bond could keep me away.The instant the boat docked at the Dark Crescent island's dock, I ran. My heels hit wet soil, and the wind tore through my hair.I did not wait for a servant or for leave. I burst through the entrance and flew up the stairs two steps at a time."Princess!" Lysa's voice echoed in warning as she appeared at the head of the stairs, arms out to hold me back. "You can't go in! Alpha must have rest—
Chapter 88|| ELINDA'S POV ||The council chamber was too silent.Alberto and I sat side by side, hands resting tense in my lap, fingers intertwined.Old, stern-appearing councilors with glaring eyes leaned toward me at a glance that I could not define quite so well—whether it was respect or annoyance.Or maybe… they're just tired of waiting for me to catch up and just make up their minds already, for goodness' sake."Princess Elinda," one of the older males began, his tone like an Alpha, "now that Prince Alberto's been crowned Alpha, the pack will need a strong Beta to support him. Someone familiar with royal bloodline. and fighting." He glared at me. "We all decided it should be you."I swallowed. My throat was dry and tightened.Alberto glared at me sideways, his eyes gentle but supportive. "You're the only one I trust, Elin. You've done it again and again."Have I?The memory of the shattered mate bond danced at the edges of my mind. The pain still hasn't gone yet. I was on my feet,
Chapter 87 || ALBERTO'S POV ||The moment I stepped into the hall, my wolf lifted her head. Not due to the politics or the constant chatter swirling around us, but because she was present.Clara.Even now, even after all of it, my wolf l recognized her. Her presence was a magnet that I couldn't shake from my head, no matter how faint the melody had become. I stood on the sidelines, glass in hand, pretending to listen to Alexis's negotiation with the North Alpha, but my eyes kept wandering to her.And every time I glanced, I saw something that made my blood boil.Mikhail.He loomed over her like a predator, cold and commanding, his voice sharp and snapping whenever he addressed her. I noticed the tension in Clara's posture when he spoke, the way her shoulders tensed, the glint of something in her eyes she tried to hide—fear or indifference, I couldn't tell. But I did.My wolf did too.Go to her, he snarled within me, pacing back and forth."I can't," I grumbled under my breath.Alexis
Chapter 86 || Clara's POV ||I was sitting at the window, pretending to read a book, but my hands trembled so violently.My thoughts were elsewhere, as they always were now—on Alberto, on the painful bond inside me that grew heavier with each passing moment I stayed here, held captive by fear.The door creaked behind me.I didn't need to turn to know who it was. His presence made the room suffocate, forcing me to barely breathe."We are going to a reception tonight," he stated in a neutral tone, showing no feeling whatsoever. "The top designer will be there. Prepare yourself."I kept my back to him, my fingers tightening around the book.A meeting. Meaning all the power players would attend. And if Alberto was indeed in Bravta's borders, he'd certainly be there.The mere idea of being within the same air space as him—to look upon him, feel the tie between us scream for attention— wracked my chest with pain. It would hurt. I would know it would."I am not going," I said, voice small bu
Chapter 85 || Clara's POV ||The sunlight pouring through my window in the morning fell gently on the floor of my bedroom. I had not slept. Not actually. Each time I shut my eyes, the power of the bond felt out and pulled at my soul, whispering a name I could not voice. Alberto. My mate.But I was married to another man.The door creaked open and I stiffened, my heart racing before I could even turn around. To my relief, it was the healer—the elderly woman with warm eyes and gentle fingers. She gave a polite nod before she approached, her bag slung over one shoulder."How do you feel, Lady Clara?" she said softly as she sat beside the bed."Fine," I replied too quickly.Her eyes furrowed together, obviously not believing it, but she did not press the issue. She had grown accustomed to living in this house by now and was smarter than to ask questions she wasn't supposed to ask. I remained numb as she laid cool fingers on my wrist, feeling my pulse. Then her hand moved to my forehead,